John Legend and Tika Sumpter to Produce WGN Series About Black Wall Street.

John Legend Tika Sumpter

John Legend and Tika Sumpter are set to produce a WGN series that tells the story of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood neighborhood. Also known as Black Wall Street, Greenwood was considered to be one of the wealthiest black enclaves in early 20th century America — until it was burned down and looted by a white mob in 1921. The attack resulted in the death of hundreds of Greenwood’s residents.

Deadline reports that Legend is producing the film through his Get Lifted Film Co. production company. Get Lifted most recently produced the wildly successful drama Underground, which centered on the escape of enslaved African-Americans.

“We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” Get Lifted’s Jackson told Deadline. “Our experience working with them on Underground has been fantastic. Additionally, we’re looking forward to working with our friend Tika Sumpter to help tell this incredible story that many people know nothing about.”

The “Black Wall Street” series will likely debut sometime in 2018.